(Provided by Tennis World USA)
“It’s a lot to take in and I’m working through it day by day at my own pace. It will take some time, but on the other hand I’m excited,” Iga Swiatek said after the crown was given to her when Ashleigh Barty retired. The emotions were flowing when the Australian decided to quite tennis for good.
Swiatek says “I was crying for a long time.” It’s a wonder why she was crying but it might have been tears of sorrow for Barty leaving and tears of joy for becoming number one. Iga might have seen the anxiety and expectations coming but there was nothing that could be done.
She’s accomplished 13 titles as of April 24 and 4 Grand Slams as of this year. Iga has won the French Open in 2020, 2022 as well winning the U.S. Open in 2022. She’d beaten out Coco Gauff for the Roland Garros title this year.
Last season was a very big one for the 22-year-old Pole who vividly remembers her mental transitions. “One day I’m just 100% focused on my performance during another match and the next day I’m realizing how to live as number one.” A huge change of lifestyle.
She won the ‘Sunshine Double’ last year with Indian Wells and the Miami Open. She had a 37-match winning streak broken by France’s
